Russka

July 29, 1991
With his second sprawling historical novel, Rutherfurd moves from his hometown of Salisbury, England, the site of the bestselling Sarum , to the rich foreign soil of Russia. Though the structure and style mirror that of his first saga, Rutherfurd's close observation of Russia's religious and ethnic diversity give this epic a distinctive flavor. Focusing on the changing fortunes of the small town of Russka and its controlling families, Rutherfurd moves from the tribes of the steppes in the second century A.D. through Cossacks, Tatars, Tsars, revolution and Stalin to touch on a contemporary Russian emigre community near New York City. He weaves an expansive tapestry of Russian lore with a vivid exploration of the historical influences on the modern Russian psyche. Though thoroughly researched, the novel is diminished by occasional soap-opera twists in the narrative thread and present-day phrasing (``pin money,'' ``red tape,'' ``heads or tails'') used in distracting asides to the reader. Literary Guild selection.

What a pleasant way to learn history! Rutherfurd takes us back to the year 900 and illustrates the creation of Russia's complex population through fictional characters, their lifestyles andhardships. Ten centuries of historical facts are all in place, but the fictional thread makes the saga comprehensible. The effects of tyranny are easier to understand when they relate to ordinary people. Nadia May brings her usual expertise to the reading of this immense opus. Slight inflections emphasize distinctive characterizations. Her musical voice allows the listener to enjoy the story while absorbing the history and geography of Mother Russia. J.P. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine